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Stairway Resource Center’s Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Program

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)Therapy for Addiction and Recovery

At Stairway Resource Center, you’ll find more than just traditional drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment. Our evidence-based approach to recovery combines the 12-Step model with cutting-edge therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for a unique and comprehensive path to long-term sobriety.

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

TMS is a non-invasive therapy that works by stimulating nerve cells in the brain using magnetic fields, usually in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates your emotions, mood, and behavior. TMS can potentially alter the way your brain functions, helping you break the cycle of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and other debilitating conditions.

How TMS Works as a Non-Invasive Treatment

TMS is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment where electromagnetic coils are placed on a patient’s scalp. These coils then deliver pulses that act as a stimulant for nerve cells, which can help alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety, as well as alleviate cravings and boost your mood.

The Science Behind TMS Therapy for Addiction Recovery

TMS therapy works through rapidly changing magnetic pulses that adjust the way neurons respond. The neurons’ cell membranes become less polarized, which then triggers them to activate an electrical signal. These signals modulate brain activity and can be a powerful tool in overcoming complex issues like depression, anxiety, and addiction, which can all change the way our brains normally function.

Why TMS Is a Breakthrough in Mental Health and Addiction Care

A group of men share a moment of laughter and genuine connection, illustrating the power of building healthy friendships and a strong peer support network for men's mental health and addiction recovery.
Research shows that relapse rates hover around 65% for alcohol addiction and even higher for opioid use disorders. This is why you’ll find unique and innovative therapies like TMS at Stairway Resource Center. Here, we specialize in offering cutting-edge solutions for patients who haven’t found success in other treatments. TMS therapy can actually get to the root of addiction in your brain, helping you stabilize your mood, reduce cravings, and get back to a healthy brain function.

The Benefits of TMS Therapy for Addiction

Even though it was initially conceived as a therapy for depression, TMS also has a wide range of benefits for addiction. Since addiction can change the way our brain normally functions, from disrupting our mood to becoming hardwired to seek out substances, TMS can be used to bring your brain back to a normal and healthy function.

Reducing Cravings, Stabilizing Mood, and Supporting Long-Term Sobriety

TMS can target areas of the brain that are responsible for addictive behaviors, changing the way you respond to triggers, cravings, and more. In fact, research has shown significant reductions in drug cravings when an individual undergoes TMS therapy. It can also stabilize your mood, allowing you to feel more confident, focused, and empowered. Positive emotions like these are huge foundational pillars that are wildly important in supporting long-term sobriety.

Treating Co-Occurring Disorders With TMS Therapy

Even though nearly half of all people who struggle with substance use disorder will also experience one or more co-occurring disorders, like depression or anxiety, in their lifetime, many traditional drug treatments do not always take these co-occurring disorders into account. TMS, however, can be used for a wide range of mental health conditions as well as addiction.

A Drug-Free, Evidence-Based Solution to Support Recovery

A vibrant image of a plasma ball symbolizes the neural activity in the brain that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy targets to treat depression and other mental health conditions.
When traditional drug treatments like medication and psychiatry do not work, it can cause relapse or make you feel like you have failed. Here at Stairway Resource Center, we believe that every patient deserves a wide range of treatment options, like TMS, to find what works best for their unique journey. TMS provides you with a drug-free, evidence-based solution you can’t find everywhere else.

Why Choose TMS Therapy at Stairway Recovery?

Here at Stairway Recovery Center, we offer in-house TMS therapy combined with a full range of clinical and holistic therapies, plus a 12-Step focused philosophy to deliver unparalleled support.

Expert Care in a Compassionate Setting

At Stairway Resource Center, our expert clinicians are here to deliver world-class care in a compassionate setting with a program that includes people from all walks of life. Here, you will feel seen, heard, and understood in a supportive and non-judgmental environment, improving your chances of finding recovery success.

Customized Treatment Plans Tailored to Your Needs

No two recovery journeys are the same, and at Stairway Resource Center, you’ll be sure to have a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. We offer a wide range of clinical therapies as well as holistic modalities to give you a variety of options to explore, including some of the most innovative therapies available.

State-of-the-Art Facilities in Woodland Hills, California

Stairway Resource Center’s state-of-the-art facilities in Woodland Hills, California, provide a home away from home where you’ll find the support you need to stay focused on your recovery. Unlike most programs, we offer TMS in-house, as well as other advanced treatment modalities like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and brainspotting. These advanced therapies are highly effective for those who have tried traditional therapies without success.

Who Can Benefit From TMS Therapy?

TMS therapy has a wide range of benefits for individuals struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, and a variety of other mental health conditions.

TMS therapy may be right for…

Individuals Struggling With Addiction and Mental Health Challenges

Originally used for depression, TMS is now a cutting-edge therapy that can help those struggling with substance use disorder and other mental health issues as well. This therapy aims to stimulate brain receptors that have lost normal functioning due to chronic conditions and habitual substance abuse, making it a powerful tool for overcoming your struggles in the long term.

Patients With a History of Relapse or Treatment Resistance

At Stairway Resource Center, we’re proud to offer innovative therapies that can especially help those who have had a previous history of relapse. TMS bridges the gap created by traditional treatments with a non-invasive process that targets areas of the brain known to control chronic diseases like addiction. TMS is also excellent for pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone else who may be resistant to medication-assisted treatment.

Those Seeking a Holistic and Non-Invasive Approach

TMS is a great alternative for those seeking a holistic, non-invasive approach to treatment. In fact, many people often compare the sensations experienced during a TMS session to those experienced during a magnetic resonance imaging exam (MRI). At Stairway Resource Center, TMS can be used in combination with other holistic, non-invasive therapies to give you a truly comprehensive plan for recovery.

What to Expect During TMS Therapy

If you’re new to TMS therapy, you’re probably wondering what to expect during a session. The process is fairly simple and straightforward, but it’s important to understand all the moving pieces before you begin.
Step-by-Step Guide to the TMS Experience
A TMS session at Stairway Resource Center first starts with a safety check where you’ll remove any metallic items like jewelry or electronic devices. The technician will then perform a motor threshold test to determine the right strength of magnetic pulses needed for your treatment. After that, you’ll be ready for your exposure session, during which the TMS machine is fitted over your head and delivers the magnetic pulses to your scalp. This is a safe, non-invasive process where you may feel light pressure, a tapping sensation, or nothing at all.
Personalized Care Every Step of the Way
TMS sessions will often include time for reflection, where you can talk about any triggers or cravings you may be experiencing. This process helps you set powerful personal intentions for your therapy, which then prepares you for the most effective means of treatment. In addition to TMS, we also encourage our patients to explore our other therapies so you can create a recovery toolkit that includes the modalities that work best for you.
Understanding the Frequency and Duration of Treatment
While the duration of TMS treatment can vary slightly depending on the person and the specific protocol used, most sessions will last between 20 to 40 minutes. At Stairway Resource Center, these sessions are generally held five days a week over a period of six weeks, allowing you to receive the full scope of the therapy’s benefits.
Handling Side Effects with Support
The side effects of TMS are rare and usually very manageable. Some people may experience short-term side effects, including mild headaches or tension after sessions and discomfort at the treatment site. In rare cases, jaw pain or facial muscle twitching may occur. Your medical team is here to support you and answer any questions or concerns you may have about treatment.

Take the Next Step in Your RecoveryWith TMS at Stairway Recovery

Whether your recovery journey has just started or if you’ve been down this road before, choosing Stairway Resource Center will set you on the path to a life of happiness, empowerment, and long-term sobriety. Our 60 to 90-day outpatient program will give you the tools, structure, and support to help you stay accountable and pave the way for an enriching life free of drugs and alcohol.
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A patient rests comfortably during a session of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an advanced, non-invasive therapy that uses brain mapping technology to target and treat depression and addiction.
Ready to experience the transformative power of TMS therapy? Give us a call to speak to our team and discover how TMS therapy can support your journey and help pave the way to long-term sobriety.

Frequently Asked Questions

The length of your stay at Stairway Resource Center’s program will vary depending on several factors, including:

  • The severity of your substance use disorder: Factors such as the type of substance(s) used, the duration of use, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions will be considered.
  • **The severity of your withdrawal symptoms.
  • Your overall health and medical history.
  • Your individual treatment needs and goals.

Our experienced medical team will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the appropriate length of stay for your treatment process. This may range from 30 days to a year depending on your needs and the severity of your mental health or substance use challenges.

Pets are generally not permitted at the Stairway Resource Center in Tarzana. However, we understand the crucial role that pets play in the mental well-being of many individuals so they are permitted on a case-by-case basis. Studies have shown that pets can provide significant emotional support by reducing stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness, all of which are important factors in addiction recovery.

We encourage you to discuss this with our admissions team during your initial consultation. They can help you explore alternative arrangements for your pet during your stay, such as finding a trusted friend, family member, or pet sitter to care for your animal while you focus on your recovery journey.

At Stairway Resource Center, we maintain a low client-to-staff ratio of 3:1 to ensure that each individual receives the personalized attention and support they need on their recovery journey. This commitment to a high-quality and individualized approach is crucial for successful addiction treatment in Los Angeles, California.

A low client-to-staff ratio allows our experienced clinicians to:

  • Build strong therapeutic relationships: Foster trust and open communication with each client, enabling them to feel comfortable sharing their experiences and challenges.
  • **Provide individualized treatment plans that address the unique needs and goals of each individual, considering factors such as co-occurring disorders, dual diagnosis treatment, and trauma history.  
  • Offer more frequent interactions between clients and staff, ensuring that any concerns or challenges are addressed promptly and effectively.  
  • Provide a higher level of individualized support, including more frequent check-ins, personalized guidance, and assistance with navigating the complexities of recovery.

By prioritizing a low client-to-staff ratio, we create a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals can feel safe, heard, and understood throughout their treatment experience.

Relapse is a common part of the recovery journey, and we understand that setbacks can happen. At Stairway Resource Center, we provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for individuals who have experienced relapse. Our comprehensive addiction treatment programs, including residential, intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient services, are designed to address the unique needs of each individual, including those who have previously experienced relapse. We utilize evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate, to help you develop relapse prevention strategies and build the skills necessary for long-term recovery. Our experienced clinical team will work closely with you to identify and address any underlying issues contributing to relapse and create a personalized treatment plan to support your continued recovery journey.

Absolutely. Stairway Resource Center specializes in treating dual diagnosis disorders, addressing both addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues. Our experienced clinicians utilize a holistic approach that incorporates evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate. We understand that these conditions often intertwine, and our integrated treatment plans address the unique needs of each individual, ensuring a comprehensive and effective recovery journey.

Stairway Resource Center distinguishes itself as a leading provider of addiction treatment in Los Angeles, California, by offering a comprehensive and personalized approach to recovery. We go beyond traditional rehab by addressing the underlying mental health issues that often contribute to substance abuse. Our integrated treatment plans incorporate evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, neurofeedback, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate, while also emphasizing a strong foundation in the 12-Step philosophy. We foster a supportive community environment where individuals can connect with others on their recovery journey, and our experienced clinical team provides compassionate and personalized care. We believe in a holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit, empowering individuals to achieve long-term sobriety and rebuild their lives.

Stairway Resource Center distinguishes itself as a leading provider of addiction treatment in Los Angeles, California, by offering a comprehensive and personalized approach to recovery. We go beyond traditional rehab by addressing the underlying mental health issues that often contribute to substance abuse. Our integrated treatment plans incorporate evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, neurofeedback, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate, while also emphasizing a strong foundation in the 12-Step philosophy. We foster a supportive community environment where individuals can connect with others on their recovery journey, and our experienced clinical team provides compassionate and personalized care. We believe in a holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit, empowering individuals to achieve long-term sobriety and rebuild their lives.

Family involvement is crucial for successful long-term recovery at Stairway Resource Center. We believe that strong family support can significantly improve addiction treatment outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of individuals in substance use disorder recovery. Our comprehensive family programs include:

  • Family therapy sessions: Addressing family dynamics, communication, and coping mechanisms.
  • Family support groups: Providing a safe and supportive space for family members to connect and share experiences with others facing similar challenges.
  • Individual counseling for family members: Addressing individual concerns, such as grief, anger, and codependency, while developing coping strategies for supporting their loved one in recovery.

We understand that addiction impacts the entire family system, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Our goal is to create a supportive and healing environment for all involved, addressing the unique needs of each family member throughout the addiction recovery journey.

By actively involving families in the treatment process, Stairway Resource Center aims to:

  • Strengthen family bonds: Improve communication, foster understanding, and rebuild trust within the family unit.
  • Reduce family stress and conflict: Address family dynamics that may be contributing to or exacerbating addiction issues.
  • Improve family functioning: Equip family members with the tools and resources to support their loved one’s recovery effectively.
  • Promote long-term recovery success: By creating a strong support network within the family, we increase the likelihood of sustained sobriety and improved quality of life for the entire family.

We believe that by addressing the needs of the entire family system, we can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to addiction treatment in Los Angeles, California.

At Stairway Resource Center, we believe that recovery is an ongoing journey that extends beyond the completion of formal addiction treatment. We understand that navigating life after drug rehab can be challenging, and we are committed to providing the support you need to maintain your sobriety and thrive in your recovery journey long-term.

Our robust aftercare services ensure you have the continued support you need to maintain your sobriety. These services include:

  • Ongoing support groups: Participate in support groups to connect with other individuals in recovery, share experiences, and build a strong support network within the recovery community.
  • Alumni events: Attend social and educational events to foster a sense of community and connection with other graduates.
  • Access to continuing care services: This may include outpatient therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate, or other mental health services to address any ongoing challenges.

We also encourage and facilitate the development of a strong support network within the recovery community. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and resources necessary for sustained recovery and to help you navigate the challenges of maintaining sobriety in your everyday life within the Los Angeles and Southern California communities.

Our program lengths depend completely on your needs and we will develop a custom care plan in collaboration with you. We typically recommend at least 90 days of treatment, but offer flexible short-term and long-term options. The team at Stairway Resource Center is here to support you on your personal path to recovery!

FAQsAbout Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Addiction Recovery

TMS is a non-invasive, drug-free brain stimulation therapy that uses magnetic fields to deliver pulses to specific regions of the brain, notably the prefrontal cortex, which is a key player in mood and behavior regulation. The magnetic pulses stimulate brain activity and can potentially alter the way the brain functions, giving temporary relief to feelings of depression and anxiety, which often go hand-in-hand with addiction. TMS can also help you reduce drug cravings, fight triggers, and create a more positive outlook by boosting your mood.

TMS is generally considered to be a safe therapy with rare side effects. However, some people may experience short-term discomfort, like mild headaches after sessions or discomfort at the treatment site. In rare cases, jaw pain or facial muscle twitching may be experienced. It’s also important to note that TMS may not be suitable for everyone. If you have a history of seizures, medical implants, or specific conditions like brain tumors, you may not be able to receive TMS treatment. Always make sure to disclose a complete medical history to your care team before starting any kind of treatment.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help you heal from substance abuse and mental health disorders. To learn more about our programs and how TMS can help you, call Stairway Resource Center at